The art of China.

As China takes in place in the new world of becoming a 'super power' understanding its past and what underpins is art is important. Much was initially situated along the banks of the Yellow River in south east China. Some of the oldest bone artifacts were written on the backs of turtles as 'oracles' about life, death and prophesy. This was the beginning of their written language in 1200 BC. This written language in pictorial form tells the stories of the past and the first Emperor. The terracotta army was made around that time and represents those who will accompany the Emperor in the after life. There was an amazing piece of bronze of a chariot with four horses and a soldier with a still functioning umbrella to protect him from the burning sun. As China became more open to the outside world trade took place along the Silk Road with the export of spices and other object of desire. This interaction also included the new religions like Buddhism that was imported from India. There was then many representation of the Buddha across China and this religion is the third most popular in China today. An ongoing anxiety for all China rulers is the fear of the 'mob' getting out of control and overthrowing them, this is one reason there is 'veneration of elders' so they  are always looked up to and respected by the younger generations. To understand China better watch this excellent programme Art and China on BBC Four introduced by Andrew Graham Dixon.